There’s no question that after a bumpy start last season, the Steelers’ offensive line came together and was solid. Not spectacular, but they were better than they had been let’s put it that way. There’s a lot of hope for this unit heading into 2015 but questions remain and not just about the depth.
Starters: Kelvin Beachum, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert
I will stand by what I’ve said throughout the offseason in that ideally the Steelers would love to slide Beachum down to left guard and install a more traditional left tackle in his place but that’s highly unlikely with camp so close. What is more of a possibility is for someone to possibly take Foster’s starting spot. For now however, he remains in place.
DeCastro has an opportunity to elevate himself into one of the more elite guards in the NFL with a great season. The ability to pull and trap is outstanding but he must get better against bull rushes in pass protection.
Pouncey is the most athletic center in football and with a healthy season will more than likely be headed to another Pro Bowl. I wasn’t initially crazy about the huge contract the Steelers gave him but I understand it if that makes sense.
Beachum has been a miracle worker for being a seventh-round pick of the Steelers and is deserving of the accolades he receives. I thought he was exposed a bit by the Ravens in the AFC Wild-Card game though. Adding to some weight and strength can help that though.
Gilbert is one of those guys who one minute looks like a Pro Bowler and the next reminds you of a turnstile at the bus station. He cannot have inconsistencies that he had last season if this offense is going to click the way we expect it.
Reserves: Cody Wallace C/G, Alejandro Villanueva T, Mike Adams T
Wallace is really the only guy on the roster with any real experience at guard and center and as long as he stays healthy he should earn a spot. For Adams, this is his last chance to prove his worth as a second round pick. In my view, he’s fine if he has to replace Gilbert at right tackle but if he has to play left tackle then I become very concerned for the health of our quarterback.
I’m going completely out on a limb with Villanueva making it but I think if he can play left tackle at all he’s got a shot. Despite being under 280 lbs, he has great feet and hands which should benefit him.
Challengers: Miles Dieffenbach, Reese Dismukes, Chris Hubbard, B.J. Finney, Colin Rahrig, Kevin Whimpey
Each year there always seems to be an unheard of guy along the line that makes some noise for the Steelers and if you put a gun to my head I’d say keep an eye on B.J. Finney and Colin Rahrig. I can see either one of them pushing hard for a spot if they can also show the ability to play numerous positions.
